How to Hide or Show Network Icon in Windows 11 File Explorer

This guide explains how to add or remove the Network icon from the sidebar in File Explorer on Windows 11. It is important to distinguish between the File Explorer sidebar icon and the system tray icon on your taskbar.

Why hide or show the Network icon in Windows 11?

Windows 11 displays the Network icon in File Explorer to help you find shared devices. You might want to hide it to keep your sidebar clean. Others may need to show it to access local network locations quickly. Changing this setting does not disconnect you from the internet; it only changes how you see network folders in your file browser.

What happens when you are done?

Once you finish, the Network icon will disappear or appear in your File Explorer sidebar. This change is purely visual. Your computer will still maintain its network connection status, and you can still reach network drives if you type their path directly into the address bar.

How to show or hide the Network icon in File Explorer

You can manage this icon using the File Explorer settings. These steps do not require admin privileges.

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows Key + E.
2. Right-click in the empty space below the Network icon in the left sidebar.
3. Select Show Network to either hide or show it.

Alternatively, use the Folder Options menu:

1. Click the three-dot menu icon at the top of the File Explorer window.
2. Select Options.
3. On the Folder Options window, click the View tab.
4. Look for the setting that says Show Network.
5. Check or uncheck the box to show or hide the icon.
6. Click OK to save your changes.

Troubleshooting: Why is my network icon missing from the taskbar?

If your network connection status icon is missing from the taskbar, it might be disabled in settings. Note: This requires admin privileges to change system-wide settings.

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2. Click Taskbar corner overflow.
3. Ensure the toggle for Network is set to On.

If the icon is still missing, your network adapter might be disabled. Open Network & Internet settings and ensure your adapter is enabled.

How to restart Windows Explorer to fix missing icons

Sometimes the Windows 11 UI glitches. Restarting the process can bring back missing icons.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find Windows Explorer in the list.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.

Does updating network drivers fix the missing icon issue?

Yes, outdated drivers can cause display issues. Open Device Manager, find your Network Adapter, right-click it, and select Update driver. If that fails, choose Uninstall device and restart your computer to let Windows reinstall it automatically.

Advanced configuration: Registry and Group Policy

For power users, you can force these settings using the Registry Editor. Warning: This requires admin privileges and carries risk if done incorrectly.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Create a new DWORD value named NoNetHood and set it to 1 to hide the icon.

Can I remove the network icon from the lock screen?

Yes, for security, you can hide the network icon on the sign-in screen. Note: This requires admin privileges. Open the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and navigate to Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Logon. Enable the policy Remove network connectivity indicator from the lock screen.

Summary

Managing the network icon in Windows 11 is simple. Whether you want to clean up your File Explorer sidebar or troubleshoot a missing taskbar icon, these steps provide the control you need. Always remember to check your taskbar settings first, as that is the most common reason for a missing connection status icon.